Modeled after the Silk Road that interests.

nterests. The BRI seems to create a projects for transportation and energy, is
historically connected China to other “mini ecosystem,” a compact network said to contribute to Pakistan’s economic
parts in Asia and Europe for trade, of infrastructure development and growth and development, and to connect
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partnerships that will benefit China in China with other regions in the continent.
was announced in 2013 by President attaining its political, economic and However, the CPEC has been documented
Xi Jinping. The 21st century Silk Road strategic objectives. to contribute to Pakistan’s debt distress
that China has been laying out is China-Pakistan and to negatively impact peoples’
two-pronged with the overland Silk
Road Economic Belt and the Maritime
The BRI has long been criticized
for the following risks and threats: Economic livelihoods, rights and security.

Silk Road, which seeks to increase

their influence in trade, investment
debt distress, securitization of aid, and
massive environmental degradation.
Corridor: A Win- The Chinese government maintains
that the China-Pakistan Economic
and connectivity in Asia, Europe and
Africa. The BRI manifests in both hard
The initiative creates onerous debts,
which promote Chinese interests
Lose Model? Corridor is envisioned to promote
regional connectivity. Infrastructure
infrastructure, in the form of extensive and Chinese corporations’ role in networks, energy projects and special
network of railroads, pipelines, development. Development finance economic zones would facilitate trade
highways and maritime routes, and given by the Chinese government The BRI, composed of six and exchanges between the two
soft infrastructure, in the form of also pursues strategic security international corridors, transcends the countries. The groundwork for the CPEC
policy coordination to encourage interests, which have contributed geographical borders of Asia, Europe was first laid out in the early 2000s, but
trade, investment and finance. The to the militarization of communities and Africa, which covers around 60 due to the 2008 global market crash and
government of China has allocated a and human rights violations. Largely percent of the global population. An militant attacks on Chinese citizens, it did
total of USD 1 trillion for this initiative, a infrastructure-led, the BRI has economic corridor, according to the Asian not materialize until 2015.
massive commitment as it allots around significant environmental impact, Development Bank (ADB), is a “spatial
USD 85 million a year for development despite the worsening climate crisis. 2 development initiative, primarily defined The CPEC is claimed to contribute
finance. 1 as a route along which goods and people to the “hope of [a] better region of the
move,”3 with an overall aim of promoting future with peace, development and
Through these projects, China economic growth. growth of economy.”5 According to the
claims that the BRI will create a “win- CPEC Authority, the corridor operates
win” situation for them and their In building an economic corridor, on a “win-win model” of development
partners. For developing countries, there are three main components: transport cooperation as it equally benefits both
the BRI, through bilateral deals corridor, industrial production centers countries. The project forwards the
and multilateral partnerships, will and urban centers. The transport corridor, enhancement of transportation networks,
purportedly address immediate needs through the construction of infrastructure academic and people exchanges,
to forward sustainable development. projects, provides connectivity, allowing increased flow of trade and goods and
To its neighbors in the global South, the flow of goods. Industrial production the production of energy for Pakistan.
China presents itself as an “alternative” centers generate the products being traded
to traditional donors who come from and transported along the corridor, while Meanwhile, China gains access to
the global North. However, a closer look cities contribute the much-needed labor to the energy reserves outside its territory
at projects under China’s BRI reveals sustain these activities.4 and routes to South Asia and the Arabian
that it bears the same risks and threats Sea, which provides links to the Middle
to developing countries as traditional The BRI’s flagship project, the East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Moreover,
donor projects, exposing these contexts China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) promoting economic partnership with
to further exploitation to forward donor that aims to construct infrastructure Pakistan also helps China ensure regional
2 3
 social safeguards, have contributed more power plants built for industries also
to environmental degradation than to contribute much to carbon dioxide
development. Construction of massive emissions.12 Without the necessary
infrastructure can lead to deforestation, measures, the construction of the
affecting biodiversity, and increased economic corridor will worsen the climate
vulnerability to the climate crisis. The crisis and its impacts on the marginalized
establishment of coal-powered energy and vulnerable.

BOX 1. PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE CPEC.

In 2019, a presidential ordinance set up the CPEC Authority, which was tasked to
manage the implementation of the projects. The Chairperson of the Authority also
serves as the co-chair of the Joint Cooperation Committee, a joint body of Chinese
and Pakistan governments. The Committee is staffed by members of China’s National
Development and Reform Commission and of Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning,
Development and Reforms. The Special Security Division is responsible for ensuring
the security of CPEC projects, with Pakistan soldiers and paramilitary personnel.

The initial allocated budget for CPEC was USD 46 billion, then increased to USD
62 billion in 2020. Development projects are focused on energy and transport
infrastructure. The financing is mainly allocated for the construction of a
2,700-kilometer route from Pakistan’s Gwadar port to Kashar in China’s Xinjiang
Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in order to transfer oil and gas.8

Map of CPEC Projects. From the Mercator Institute of China Studies, https:// Within Pakistan, CPEC covers transport infrastructure, industrial development, energy
merics.org/en/analysis/bri-pakistan-chinas-flagship-economic-corridor. projects and the development of the Gwadar port in Balochistan. In the next phase,
CPEC will focus on agricultural modernization and industrial production through a
stability, and secure its western borders, consideration. For its long-term plan, there series of special economic zones in various regions of Pakistan. Spanning 15 years,
CPEC projects are classified into short-term (completed by 2020), medium-term (to
particularly the province of Xinjiang6, are a total of 37 projects in the pipeline.11
be completed by 2025), and long-term (to be completed by 2030).
where internment camps of illegally
detained hundred of thousands of Muslim Furthermore, economic corridors
In the Long-Term Plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (2017-2030), the initiative
Uyghurs are located.7 can be utilized as a geo-political tool seeks to address major bottlenecks in Pakistan’s economic and social development
as these provide the pathways to cross by 2020, to build Pakistan’s industrial system and foster regional economic
As of writing, the CPEC has borders and deploy armed forces to conflict development by 2025, and to make South Asia an international economic zone by
completed 10 energy projects, 6 transport areas. This poses a threat to the peace 2030.9
infrastructure projects, 3 Gwadar and security of countries, and impedes on
development projects, and 5 social communities’ freedoms and rights, as well As of writing, the CPEC has completed 10 energy projects, 6 transport infrastructure
and economic development initiatives. as their country’s sovereignty. projects, 3 Gwadar development projects, and 5 social and economic development
There are also 27 ongoing projects in the initiatives. There are also 27 ongoing projects in the transport, social and economic
transport, social and economic sectors. For Construction of infrastructure sectors. For the energy sector, there are 5 projects under consideration. For its long-
the energy sector, there are 5 projects under projects, which lack environmental and term plan, there are a total of 37 projects in the pipeline.10
4 5
 demands and conditionalities, which
heavily promotes the corporate capture
of development by Chinese firms and
industries, and ultimately fostering
Whose Economic debt unsustainability for the recipient
government. 15
Corridor? China’s
Corporations Chinese Sunset Industries: Encroaching
on Pakistan’s industries, livelihoods,
and Pakistan’s and climate

Livelihoods The BRI is meant to accommodate

Chinese businesses and corporations,
as it aims to promote unimpeded
trade. In the case of Pakistan,
The massive scale of the relocation of Chinese sunset
infrastructure development and industries, or businesses in the phase-
accompanying financial agreements out process due to overcapacity or
under CPEC is unparalleled in Pakistan’s the overproduction of goods, rising
history. The BRI promises investment production costs, and negative
that is almost equal to the US economic environmental impact, is pursued.
and military assistance for 50 years While both governments claim that this
(from 1951 to 2011) and thrice the size would promote industrialization and
of foreign direct investment in Pakistan create jobs, this also inevitably leads
in the last ten years (estimated at USD to the Chinese capture of Pakistan’s
23 billion). 13 The Long Term Plan for key industrial sectors crucial to the
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor country’s development. China’s control
2017-2031 highlights: (i) connectivity over key sectors hinders national
through integrated transport system, industrialization that could provide
(ii) information network infrastructure, sufficient employment and essential
(iii) energy, (iv) trade and industrial services to the people.
parks, (iv) agricultural development, (v)
tourism, (vi) cooperation in livelihood In May 2017, the Pakistani
and non governmental sector, and government approved the Special
(vii) financial, agricultural and local Incentive package for the relocation of
government cooperation, cooperation industries from China to the nine special
in agriculture, and cooperation between economic zones (SEZs) to be built
local governments. 14 across Pakistan. Broadly, these sunset
industries include copper and aluminum
As the Chinese government has smelting, cement, papermaking, textiles,
allocated a significant amount for the iron and steel, light engineering, and
CPEC, Pakistan is subjected to their low-end motors and machines. 16
6 7
 In CPEC’s long-term plan, these in the construction and maintenance 2017 indicated 9,581 Chinese nationals In order to support these sunset
industries will also be established in the aspects of the projects. For instance, working on CPEC-related interventions industries, the CPEC also heavily invests
Kashgar Economic and Technological energy projects are said to create and around 10,000 are involved in non- in Pakistan’s energy sector, specifically
Development Zone and Caohu employment for the construction, CPEC projects. 28 coal energy. This holds particular
Industrial Park. The relocation of installation, and manufacturing significance to Pakistan due to long
these industries in Pakistan, through (CIM) phase, and the operation and Pakistani workers employed in periods of energy shortages - the
the establishment of SEZs, is being maintenance (O&M) phase. Meanwhile, CPEC projects are also not assured of result of faulty energy policies of past
promoted as a way to create jobs in the road infrastructure is expected to create their labor rights such as the right to governments, which generated public
country. 17 CPEC’s next phase has been jobs during construction and purported unionize, decent wages, social security distress and economic loss. The country
described by its Pakistani managers to boost the economy and increase and occupational health and safety. 29 mainly relied on natural gas and oil
as “passing the benefits of CPEC to employment after construction. 22 The Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company sources for electricity, which increased
the general public of the country by The estimated number of jobs to be (SECMC), a public-private partnership power rates. In addition, the corruption
creating employment and investment available for Pakistani workers range that carries out the coal-fired power and mismanagement of the energy
opportunities through initiation of from 400,000 to 2 million. 23,24 plant project of the CPEC, is accused of sector has forced the government
industrialization and broadening the violating the rights of its workers. Last to take out loans, contributing to its
scope of the agriculture sector.” 18 However, CPEC seems to have year, Dodo Bheel, a SECMC worker, was massive debt. In this context, China has
promised more than it has delivered. accused of theft. He was detained for presented itself as a partner to help the
For a country with high According to the data recently released 14 days and subjected to torture by the energy crisis of Pakistan. 32
unemployment rates, Pakistan is by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, company’s security guards leading to
supposed to benefit from employment CPEC has created only 75,000 jobs. 25 his death. His family and community China has declared that it will
opportunities promised by CPEC There is also a lack of data and protested, blocking the Thar Coal road be reducing its carbon footprint,
projects. This so-called benefit has reporting from the government of and marching the streets, demanding starting with the phaseout of about
been critical for the public acceptability Pakistan regarding the job creation of appropriate action from the company 105 gigawatts of coal power generation
of the large-scale infrastructure CPEC. The scarce information comes and the government. 30 capacity. However, this process
development initiated by both from random announcements by coincides with extensive Chinese
countries. Two-thirds of Pakistan’s 207.8 government officials. In August 2021, a fact-finding financing of coal-fired power plants in
million population is under the age of mission led by the Parliamentary other countries, allocating two-thirds of
30. To create job opportunities for the Private corporations Secretary for Human Rights its coal financing to Vietnam, Indonesia,
1.3 million Pakistanis entering the job implementing CPEC projects employ released their initial findings and India, Pakistan, and South Africa. 33
market every year 19, there needs to be Pakistani workers in entry-level jobs recommendations in handling Dodo Pakistani firms receive financing from
a growth rate of 7% 20. Pakistan has an and are subjected to lower wages, as Bheel’s case. Per the mission, further Chinese banks and corporations to
unemployment rate of 6.65 million, compared to their Chinese counterparts investigation must be conducted by a construct power plants. Majority of
which is constantly going up. 21 The who are considered as skilled labor. The joint investigation team or a judicial energy projects under CPEC are coal-
country is also experiencing jobless Chinese government claims that due commission, due to the distrust of the powered, despite the universal call
growth. to the lack of high tech, skilled labor victim’s family and the community in for countries to end financing of fossil
in Pakistan, these jobs are going to the the police. Furthermore, the mission fuels. As the majority of the country’s
A series of enthusiastic Chinese. 26 However, data shows that ordered the company to release energy is still coal-powered, Pakistan
pronouncements by the Pakistan 24% of college graduates are faced with compensation immediately to the is far from contributing to the Paris
government and other agencies unemployment, forcing them to apply families, establish a redress mechanism, Agreement, or the goal to limit global
regarding the employment potential of for lower staff positions. 27 An earlier observe labor laws, consult with the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees
CPEC raised hopes among the public. statement by the Chairman of the local communities, and employ local celsius and in combating climate change.
They claim the CPEC will generate jobs Parliamentary Committee on CPEC in workers in higher positions. 31
8 9
 The massive construction of role of CPEC in promoting agricultural In the case of the Eastbay environmental impacts of trawlers.
power plants under the CPEC has economic and technical cooperation Expressway, a 19-kilometer expressway Bottom trawling techniques entail
generated much more energy than between China and Pakistan. It also lists designed to support port activity, dragging a fishing gear across the
the country needs, leading to an possible items for export to China. 36 fishing communities have protested sea bed, catching species not meant
overcapacity of electricity supply There is an impending threat that the the project design that will affect for consumption, and destroying
in Pakistan. However, 50 million agricultural supply chain in Pakistan their access to the sea. 39 Despite the coral forests. Numerous international
Pakistanis still do not have access to will be controlled by China, affecting protests, construction still continued, studies have pointed to the impact of
electricity and power outages are still their food security and sovereignty. 37 with fisherfolk losing two kilometers ecological degradation on Pakistan’s
frequent due to the lack of the proper of access to the sea and damage to marine resources, with fisheries stocks
infrastructure for transmission. Despite Furthermore, there is widespread their boats due to the faulty boat almost completely exhausted in the
the overproduction of electricity, land acquisition for the construction parking provided. 40 The expressway coastal region of Sindh.
costs are still increasing due to price of infrastructure projects, which also also damaged houses and septic tanks,
monopolization by Chinese and heavily impacts on the livelihoods of leading to contamination and risk of For all development projects,
Pakistan firms. 34 Pakistan’s regulatory farmers, fisherfolk, workers, and their disease. the Pakistani government requires an
authorities employed private families. Since the start of CPEC, a Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
corporations for technical support in massive land acquisition drive involving On top of increasing The EIA is mandatory for projects related
fixing the prices of electricity. 35 1,174 square kilometers of land has encroachment by the project, fisherfolk to mining and mineral processing,
been initiated. In Gwadar, there was also face prospects of Chinese trawlers coal and water management, dams,
In addition to the lack of jobs, no consultation with the communities engaging in deep sea fishing, thus irrigation, and flood protection. All
the CPEC also leads to the loss of when the local government pursued exploiting the dwindling fish resource EIAs must include public consultations
livelihoods as it gains control over a large-scale acquisition and in the Balochistan sea. Trawlers use to seek stakeholders’ opinion about
Pakistan’s industries and constructs development of the port. bottom trawl fishing vessels to catch the project and its impact. However,
infrastructure projects. Furthermore, deep sea marine species. Under as a matter of practice, this form of
without appropriate consultation with Over a hundred housing schemes the CPEC partnership, the Pakistani stakeholders’ engagement takes place
the communities, development projects have been launched and private firms government granted a deep-sea only when the project is on the verge
eventually harm their sources of income have acquired 18.25 square kilometers licensing policy to Chinese large- of starting, and guidelines for public
that supports their families. of land, raising land prices for the scale commercial trawlers, allowing participation are not legally binding
locals. While households must be them to fish in Pakistan seas, and sell nor is there any provision for respecting
From land to sea: Impacts on compensated for the acquisition of the produce to Chinese consumers the community’s choice, should the
livelihoods, housing, and food security their land, the process was often not duty-free. 41 The Gwadar Free Zone community oppose the project. All
observed. Instead, they were given under the CPEC grants tax exemptions of these renders the stakeholders’
The plan for agriculture ultimatums to vacate their lands with and promotes relocation of Chinese consultation a meaningless exercise.43
expansion, covering farm to store little to no compensation. 38 After the industries, which further promotes Such weak regulations also provide
stages, seeks to promote large-scale extensive land acquisition drive, there Chinese influence in Pakistan’s fishing an opening for the government
and standardized agricultural industry, seems to be little interest from the sector. 42 to compromise public interest for
which raises questions about land government to continue investing in corporate gains. For instance, to avoid
tenure or right of tillers to their land, Gwadar’s development. It scrapped The people of Gwadar have legal challenge over the environmental
and the future of small-scale farmers a dozen projects from the country’s been protesting against the arrival impacts of the Thar coal power plants,
which dominate Pakistan’s agriculture development programme in 2019. CPEC of the Chinese trawlers as 80% of the government of Sindh arbitrarily
sector. Announced in 2017, Pakistan’s officials also withdrew support for a the households in the city depend increased the threshold of fine
“National Food Security Policy” livelihood programme and the Gwadar on fishing as their main source of particulate matter higher than the WHO
dedicated an entire section on the University. livelihood, and because of the negative Air Quality Guidelines Standards.
10 11
 development and commercial banks.
Investment is also sought from
multilateral development banks and
private-public partnerships. 50 Pakistan’s
own share is approximately USD 12.4
billion, which is around 20% of the
total cost of CPEC projects, though

Tightening Fiscal these estimates appear conservative. 51

Furthermore, provinces in Pakistan

Belt: Debt Distress are expected to cover the cost of

construction and the maintenance of
for Pakistan security of CPEC projects, allotting 3%
of their share in the total tax revenue
for these. 52

Financing the CPEC The prevailing debt crisis in

Pakistan also diminishes the budget to
Projects under the Belt and Road be used for social services, with only
Initiative require a financing model that 3% of the GDP allocated to education
covers cash flow for land compensation, and healthcare. The people are then
labor cost, engineering equipment forced to resort to private services. In
and machinery, among others. The order to repay the debt, the government
USD 62 billion allotment for the CPEC also imposed an increase in sales tax,
was disbursed through four financial which disproportionately impacted
instruments: investments, concessional the marginalized and vulnerable
loans, interest-free loans, and grants. households. 53
Bulk of the financing is disbursed in
investments, which entails Chinese Pakistan’s plans for repaying
firms borrowing commercial loans for CPEC loans and also ensuring returns
development projects. Concessional on Chinese private investment rests
loans are given to the Pakistani on tariffs for power generated by
government with interest, as opposed Chinese firms, toll fees for Chinese-built
to interest- free loans and grants. Data roads, or maintenance and operation
shows that only 2% of the total CPEC expenses. 54 In addition, Pakistan is
financing is disbursed in interest- hoping that CPEC projects will create
free loans and grants. Meanwhile, a employment and economic growth,
bulk of the financing or 70% goes to which will generate revenue for the
investments, while the remaining 28% country to pay back the CPEC financial
are concessional loans. 49 obligations. 55 However, these schemes
are still insufficient to cover the costs
The Chinese funding for the and loans of the projects. 56 Economists
BRI is procured from state-directed have explicitly questioned the Pakistan
12 13
 government’s repayment strategy along demanding loan rescheduling from 30-year power purchase agreements. 59
with the repercussions on the country’s the Chinese government. Pakistan’s Pakistan is unable to manage payment,
balance of payment obligations and power sector dues have gone beyond even to run the operation of the plant. 60
foreign exchange outflows. 57 The USD 1.4 billion, which Pakistan is However, Pakistan still has reportedly
Pakistan government, at its worst, has struggling to manage 58 as it allotted a approached China to ease the terms Beyond the
remained non-transparent, and at its disproportionate investment or over- on the repayment of debt on about a
best, provided vague explanations with investing in the power sector, leading to dozen power plants. 61 Economic Corridor:
regard to loan repayment. surplus production and limited takers.
With this, Pakistan is unhappy with the In terms of repayment, it is Utilization of
Pakistan is struggling to extract
returns from CPEC projects, while
overcharging of USD 3 billion of two
CPEC-financed power plants, for the
not just the loan that Pakistan has
to repay. Even though Pakistan has
Chinese Aid for
granted tax exemptions and import
duty concessions for CPEC-related
Security Interests
BOX 2. DEBT CRISIS IN PAKISTAN. projects, the Chinese companies that
made investments in Pakistan expect
Pakistan has been facing a debt crisis, dating back to the 1970s. Pakistan’s public high returns. 62 As explained above, CPEC as a tool for political and
debt remains to claim an alarming proportion of the country’s Gross Domestic under one of the CPEC financing military elites
Product (GDP). In mid-2019, it stood at 86.5% of its GDP. Secondly, the state of arrangements, loans issued to project
indebtedness is perpetual. In the last sixty years, Pakistan has been under 21 companies by the Chinese bank involve Apart from obvious economic
lending programs under the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and has failed to a guarantee of return on equity from gains, CPEC offered Pakistan’s political
complete 18 of these.44 The IMF has continued to disburse loans to Pakistan amid the host government. For loans, the and military leadership an opportunity
the entry of Chinese aid, closely monitoring that its funds are not used to pay off Pakistani government provides a to realize their political aspirations. For
loans from the Chinese government. sovereign guarantee and the repayment Pakistan’s elected leadership, the energy
is to start from 2021. 63 projects of CPEC provide evidence of
As a matter of practice, Pakistan meets its fiscal deficit with more borrowing, which has delivering electoral promises to resolve
repeatedly led to an increase in the current account deficit. Economists argue that the Due to the ongoing debt crisis, the energy shortages in the country. Energy
very structure of Pakistan’s economy is consumption-based, with its dependence on Pakistani government cut allocations for insecurity largely resulted from past
imports. Other than the textile sector, the country has minimal production capability. CPEC projects by almost 44%, and froze governments’ poor energy policies,
The state is surviving entirely on domestic and foreign loans. 45 development spending, limiting the which generated public distress
reach of much-needed development and economic loss since the start of
The continuing IMF-driven debt crisis in the country is exacerbated by CPEC programs. 64 As a result of the rise in the millennium. Pakistan’s political
loans and projects. China is currently Pakistan’s single largest creditor with the loan repayment obligations in 2018 to leadership has a dominant say in the
country owing USD 24.7 billion or 27% of its total external debt to China.46 Pakistan 2019, the rupee-dollar exchange rate design and scheduling of the power
has already started demanding talks for rescheduling and renegotiation of the rose to over 28%, fuelling an increase projects – China was forced to complete
loans under CPEC.47 In 2018, the country underwent an acute financial crisis and in the cost of living in an import- certain projects before the elections in
depletion of foreign exchange reserves, with an increase of USD 31.6 billion in dependent country. The consumer 2018.
its total external debt and liabilities within three years (from 2015 to 2018), and price index increased from 5.4% in
reaching USD 96.7 billion by September 2018. On top of debt servicing which 2018 to 12.6% in 2019. 65 This has severe In 2019, a political platform
claims over one-third of Pakistan’s budget,48 and 62% of exports earnings, Pakistan repercussions for a country where 40% called Joint Consultative Mechanism
had to pay back USD 37 billion to both bilateral and multilateral creditors over the of households suffer from moderate to was established by China in partnership
IMF program period from 2019 to 2022. The repayment was rescheduled due to severe food insecurity and 21.9% of the with the ruling and opposition parties
COVID-19. population are below the poverty line. 66 of Pakistan.70 The mechanism is seen as
14 15
 an effort on the part of China to build Plans to construct a naval base at
political consensus across Pakistan’s Gwadar have appeared in news reports,
fragmented party system to enhance although China and Pakistan both deny
support for Chinese interests in the their existence.74,75 The naval base site
country.71 has been identified as Jiwani, a local BOX 3. CHINA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS.
fishing area in the region.76 Researchers
Besides political leaders, military and analysts have noted an unusual China and Pakistan’s strategic interests are placed around a common desire
leaders are also heavily involved in the degree of security, with the appearance to counter the United States and India’s influence in the region. In the face
CPEC, especially in the control over the of anti-vehicle berms, security fences, of repeated diplomatic isolation of Pakistan by the international community,
approval, management, and security a high wall, sentry posts, and elevated especially by the United States as its supposed ally, China’s unwavering support
of the projects. The CPEC Authority in guard towers at the construction zone.77 has not gone unnoticed. For instance, China has shown open support for Pakistan
Pakistan is chaired by a retired military- during the 1965 war with India, subsequent endorsement of Pakistan’s nuclear
general and over 15,000 military Following a series of terrorist power ambitions, and strong military assistance in terms of arms trade and nuclear
personnel have been deployed to secure attacks on Chinese workers in the initial capability development. At the same time, China has maintained a very pragmatic
CPEC projects.72 In Balochistan, military years of CPEC, Pakistan designed a approach in its relations with Pakistan. It refused to support Pakistan in the 1971
engineers have been participating in the four-layer security plan to guard 14,321 war, snubbed its request for a formal military alliance by the Bhutto regime, and
construction of CPEC projects. Chinese workers in Pakistan with an describes Kashmir as a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India67, much to
estimated 32,000 security personnel Pakistan’s dismay.
Military influence in CPEC projects force consisting of Frontier Corps, Levies,
and the police. However, as diplomatic support to Pakistan has been tied to China’s strategic
With the influence of the interests, China has also sought to work alongside the Pakistan military to keep its
military on the projects, the CPEC Pakistan military established borders clear of any terror threat. In 2003, China set up an anti-terror consultative
is used to execute Chinese-Pakistan a separate security division under mechanism and conducted joint anti-terror exercises with Pakistan to counter
security interests, as military ties are the title of Special Security Division threats in the Xinjiang region from Uyghur militants and other bases, which China
strengthened with enhanced defense (SSD), comprising infantry battalions deems as threat to its stability. The government of China has been undertaking a
capability, and military expansion is and civilian armed forces headed by a series of crackdown and “counterterrorism” measures towards Uyghur Muslims in
promoted under the guise of security of serving major general of the Pakistan the Xinjiang region. The government has been detaining Uyghurs in “re-education
CPEC projects. Aside from joint exercises Army, for the protection of the economic camps”, arresting religious leaders, destroying mosques and banning Muslim
and trade of modern sophisticated corridor.78 The initial cost of the security clothing and practices.68
weaponry, Pakistan and China are also division was reported to be at Rs 23
undertaking business partnerships billion (around USD 128 million), in While avoiding a formal military collaboration, China is Pakistan’s biggest arms
on defense efforts, which is boosted addition to the billions of rupees that provider. From 2000 to 2010, the Chinese arms export to Pakistan represented 48%
by CPEC infrastructure. In 2015, China come from the country’s budget to of China’s total arms export during that period.69
agreed to sell eight submarines support CPEC security.79
to Pakistan, aiding China’s attack This very broad overview of the dynamics of cooperation between the two
submarines stationed in Pakistan’s Repression of discontent countries suggest an inclination on the part of both the countries to place bilateral
Gwadar port. There were also plans ties within the framework of their individual strategic interests rather than any
for CPEC special economic zones to The Pakistani government and shared values. The Pakistani extension of the Belt Road Initiative, reflected in China
produce new products to boost military armed forces have taken extreme Pakistan Economic Corridor therefore needs to be seen in this perspective.
capability, such as navigation systems, measures to protect the identity and
radar systems, and onboard weapons.73 nature of CPEC in the country, at the
expense of people’s rights. As CPEC
16 17
 BOX 4. CPEC IN THE DIGITAL SPHERE.

The CPEC also forms a part of China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR), as a component of
global connectivity, aspired by China through the BRI. Under the Digital Silk Road,
three components are pursued by the CPEC: safe city projects, submarine cable
and the global satellite system. All of which pose a threat to Pakistan’s peace and
security.

“Safe City” projects entail the installation of digital security systems across major
urban centers in Pakistan. The sophisticated infrastructure includes multiple
tracking options and facial recognition technology, enabled through high-grade
CCTV cameras and controlled by a command center that uses artificial intelligence
and cloud computing technology.84 In Gwadar, there were plans to fence off 24
square kilometers of the city to install more than 500 surveillance cameras.85
The use of the facial recognition technology is increasingly seen as a violation
of human rights as it impedes privacy and promotes racial profiling. The “Safe
City” projects in Islamabad and Lahore have already promoted the use of these
technologies to investigate criminal cases, including those related to “terrorism”.86

The Pakistan East Africa Connecting Europe (PEACE) submarine cable in the
Arabian Sea, which aims to provide the shortest direct internet route service in
BRI-participating countries, is also being pursued. The USD 240 million project, in
partnership with China’s Huawei Corporation, has started with the laying of cables
between Rawalpindi and the port cities of Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan.87 The
cable also passes through Singapore, Kenya, Egypt, France, Maldives, and Malta.
With its reach and control, the telecommunication cables will be able to support
the surveillance initiatives of the Chinese government in these countries.88

Lastly, Pakistan also came into the fold of China’s recently launched global satellite
system, BeiDou, which has military and civilian functions. Through its advanced
GPS system, BeiDou exposes Pakistan to tracking and surveillance by Beijing,
whether it is used for navigation by common citizens or by the military for rocket
launches.89

The myriad of surveillance technology directed at tracking the citizens led by

the governments of China and Pakistan, both of whom have shown authoritarian
tendencies, continues to put the lives and rights of the people at risk. Pakistan
has a number of laws that legitimize privacy invasion and arbitrary detention.
Surveillance technology will only strengthen the violation of the citizens’
fundamental rights. Moreover, Pakistan’s increasing exposure to surveillance by
Beijing will endanger their sovereignty and security as a nation.
18 19
 is being equated to the promotion of project has increased surveillance and
national interest, Pakistani citizens repression of peoples’ rights. As the
questioning CPEC projects, processes, people have expressed discontent over
and authorities are being tagged as the planning and implementation of the
traitors. National and local government CPEC, both governments have violently
authorities are expressing support repressed people’s voices, threatening
for the CPEC despite its questionable their peace and security. Nevertheless,
intentions.80 the Pakistani people have continued
to call for increased transparency and
There is a complete lack of transparency accountability from both governments
regarding CPEC projects and processes. as the CPEC continues to be
Details around financing are still not
available to the public, and even the
Conclusion implemented.

parliament of Pakistan has been denied

detailed plans and the opportunity to
vote on it. 81 This is despite the presence Contrary to China’s narrative that
of formal committees on CPEC in both the CPEC follows a win-win model for
the senate and the national assembly. both countries, the negative impacts
The Chinese embassy also played a on Pakistan’s economy, sovereignty,
role in encouraging the government of security, and environment, and most
Pakistan to refuse to share the details of importantly, on the people’s lives,
CPEC with the IMF, from whom Pakistan livelihoods, and rights, reveal the
was seeking a bailout of USD 12 billion opposite. As China relocates its sunset
in 2019.82 industries and despite promising
creation of new jobs, local industries
Moreover, both traditional and digital and livelihoods are threatened.
media are being censored – information This burdens the workers, farmers,
on the CPEC is limited and any form fisherfolk and their families. The lack
of dissent is quashed. Through social of consultations and transparency in
media and local information channels, CPEC processes have also contributed
China has portrayed CPEC as a positive to further environmental degradation.
development in Pakistan. Other
news that paints China in a bad light, In addition, the USD 62 billion
including human trafficking and the financing for the CPEC, disbursed
abuses against the Uighur Muslims, were mainly as loans, burdens the Pakistani
barred from being shown in Pakistan.83 people for repaying the debt incurred.
While Pakistan’s print media does report The CPEC also promotes Chinese
on the CPEC and the human rights issues interests over peoples’ interests, as
emerging out of its implementation, there they have also used the initiative to
is a lack of critical analysis on the topic. pursue their strategic economic and
military interests. Massive Chinese and
Pakistani military influence over the
20 21
 In Tharparkar, the CPEC- must be increasingly provided in the
sponsored coal plants have led to large- form of grants to the government, and
scale displacement, land dispute, and for projects that are locally-owned and
environmental degradation, leading to determined.
protests. The response has not only been
met with securitization of the region and Promoting people-centered
strict censorship. Some of the most vocal and climate-resilient development.

Continuing activists resisting CPEC have also been

abducted.92
Instead of flooding Pakistan with Chinese
sunset industries, aid must be directed to
Resistance amid Human rights violations are not
developing national industries to provide
the necessary growth and employment to
Repression just directed at Pakistani citizens, but
also at China’s own citizens. From 2016 to
Recommendations the people. Natural resources in Pakistan
must be enjoyed by the people in the
2018, the government of China detained country, protecting the livelihoods of
50 to 80 Chinese women married to local fishing and farming communities.
Widespread discontent of the Pakistani men from Gilgit-Baltistan, as While the BRI was initiated to Energy projects, which can support
people with CPEC projects and processes they were accused of maintaining links promote connectivity among different industrialization, should move away from
was met with an intensified military with religious extremists.93 A 2020 study countries, therefore promoting their coal and fossil-fuel power and transition
response of the governments of China also reports installation of spyware on the growth and development, the case to renewable sources. In line with China’s
and Pakistan. In Tharparkar, Gwadar, and phones of Uighur citizens in Pakistan. The of CPEC has proved the opposite. latest commitment to step back from
Gilgit Baltistan, strong local resistance spyware retrieved personal information The BRI has further widened and investing in new coal-fired projects, there
focused on the lack of consultation from the phone, including location data, exacerbated inequalities, as Chinese is a need to roll out a plan for the scaling
with local communities in the projects, text and audio conversations and contact interests reign over the peoples’ back of CPEC-backed coal projects in
aggressive land acquisition, displacement information.94 interests and rights. While communities, Pakistan. BRI projects must conduct
of local communities, and inadequate people’s organizations and civil environmental assessments and uphold
compensation for land. Communities In November 2021, the Gwadar society organizations continue to international agreements to contribute to
have also openly expressed resentment Ko Haq Do or Give Gwadar its Rights call for increased transparency and a climate-resilient future for all.
against environmental degradation Movement led protests, which mobilized accountability in the processes and
resulting from CPEC projects. tens of thousands of Pakistanis to respect projects under the BRI, the following Protecting peoples’ rights and
their rights and pursue genuine, inclusive recommendations are also forwarded to addressing human rights violations
There have been hardly any development. They protested against the the Chinese government towards a rights- through inclusive and participatory
instances of dialogue with the community provincial government, demanding that based, people-centered development. mechanisms with CSOs, POs and
over contentious issues. In Gilgit Baltistan, they be given better access to education communities. BRI projects must first
communities that protested against the and electricity. The people of Gwadar Addressing debt distress. Given and foremost, uphold peoples’ rights,
destructive impacts of CPEC projects were also called for sufficient action on the Pakistan’s current debt crisis, onerous as development projects must not
charged with the draconian Anti-Terrorism entry of Chinese commercial trawlers, debts that put the burden of repayment threaten communities’ land, livelihood
Act of 1997 and The Prevention of which affected the fisherfolk’s livelihood. on the people of Pakistan must be and security. The government of China
Electronic Crimes Act of 2016.90 The former A month later, Prime Minister Imran repudiated. It should stop fostering debt must stop the securitization of aid and
Pakistan Planning and Development Khan acknowledged their demands and unsustainability that further impoverishes minimize military action and influence
Minister was caught on record threatening secured the necessary steps to achieve developing countries, especially in the over its communities. Reversal of
the locals protesting against CPEC with them.95 context of the COVID-19 pandemic. shrinking civic spaces, in the physical and
charges based on anti-terror laws.91 Furthermore, development financing digital sphere, must be undertaken by
22 23
 both governments. Citizens must be able to people’s lives and to the environment. and environment, should be established.
to express dissent and their opinions, CPEC and other BRI projects must be There needs to be genuine commitment
online and offline. Widespread and aligned with the needs and priorities and implementation of these principles
inclusive consultations must be pursued of the communities in order to to ensure development for all.
in development projects and should not genuinely respond to the compounding
be exploited to conduct surveillance development challenges they face. While the governments of China
measures on its partners, in the name and Pakistan purport the ‘win-win model’
of global and regional connectivity. In Communities, civil society for the CPEC and the BRI, there has been
this light, there must be inclusive and organizations, and people’s widespread loss and violations towards
participatory processes with civil society organizations remain excluded from the people and their rights, livelihoods,
organizations, people’s organizations decision-making processes for CPEC and security. As the economic corridor
and communities in the planning, projects. An inclusive and participatory puts Chinese political, economic and
design, and implementation of BRI stakeholder engagement process must security interests above Pakistanis’
projects. Furthermore, grievance redress, be incorporated into the Belt and Road sovereignty, peace and environment, it
accountability, and remedy mechanisms Initiative, which ensures that inputs will undoubtedly serve as a hindrance
must be made available for victims of and comments from the people are to the people’s development. The CPEC
human rights violations. taken into consideration in the design and BRI has been met with widespread
and implementation of projects. A discontent, with people demanding
Adhering to Development functional and responsive local grievance the governments and their partners to
Effectiveness and South-South mechanism, especially for affected uphold their rights, provide access to
Cooperation principles. The principles communities and sectors, which displays social services, protect their livelihoods,
of country ownership, focus on results, a serious commitment to resolving public and to preserve their environment. There
inclusive partnerships, and transparency discontent with CPEC projects, must can only be a win-win situation if these
and mutual accountability or the be incorporated. Repression of dissent initiatives will forward a people-centered,
Development Effectiveness principles, and shrinking of civic spaces must be rights-based, and climate-resilient
which envisions to increase the impact immediately stopped. development for all, especially for those
of development cooperation, should who are left behind.
be upheld by both the Chinese and Lastly, there is a complete lack of
Pakistani governments. Moreover, transparency from both the government
South-South Cooperation principles of of China and Pakistan on CPEC deals,
respect for national sovereignty, national financing, and processes. They also
ownership and independence, equality, remain unaccountable for the rights
non-conditionality, non-interference they have violated. As CPEC is being
in domestic affairs and mutual benefit used to facilitate military surveillance
seem to be absent in CPEC projects and over the country, peace and security of
processes. Pakistanis are at risk. Project details and
information must be made available,
Benefits of infrastructure projects especially on possible social and
are skewed in favor of the private sector, environmental impacts. Accountability
leaving the marginalized and vulnerable mechanisms to hold the governments
sectors even further behind. With this, responsible for the negative impacts on
CPEC initiatives have done more harm their livelihood, development, rights,
24 25
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Ibid.
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several-questions-regarding-cpec 71. Ibid. 86. Express Tribune. “Capital’s cops to get facial
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tariff on power deals.” Dawn. September 24, 2021. protecting CPEC.” Dawn. February 21, 2017. https:// tribune.com.pk/story/1937963/8-capitals-cops-to-
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